Mexico has a rich tradition in medicinal
plant utilization among its varied folk healing practices (Aguilar,
1999; Argueta et al., 1994; Linares et al., 1994; Lozoya 1994; Martinez,
1989). Approximately 62 different ethnic groups currently live in
Mexico, each with its own culture and dialect and medicinal herbal
repertoire (Aguilar 1994; Lozoya, 1999).

It is estimated that the Mexican
medicinal flora contains between 3000 and 5000 plants that have
potential medicinal benefit (Aguilar, 1999; Lozoya, 1994).

A total of 3,000 species have been
compiled in an atlas of medicinal plants employed by diverse ethnic
groups. Incredibly, of these only approximately 1% of them have been
studied in depth, regarding their potential medicinal properties (Argueta
et al., 1994). It is therefore apparent that more research has to be
undertaken in order to elucidate the possible medicinal benefit of
various Mexican plants.